This year marks 70 years since the Edinburgh Festival began. 70 years since we became Festival City and 70 years since the world started to come calling every summer. The Edinburgh International Book Festival is young in comparison at ‘just’ 34 but they’re still marking the anniversary. At the Director’s Preview for the 2017 book festival director … [Read more...] about Edinburgh International Book Festival 2017: Director’s Preview
Stressed Out in London
I recently went to my first conference as a PhD student. Stressed Out took place at UCL in London and was organised to discuss the use and interpretation of stress markers in bioarchaeology. Its organisers may have been stressed out, and I’m sure some of the speakers were, but for those attending it was a fascinating and enjoyable two days. When … [Read more...] about Stressed Out in London
90% of writing is showing up
I can’t remember where I saw that written, but it’s stuck with me. ‘Write every day’ doesn’t work for everyone but the idea holds merit. If you write something every day, even if it’s just a single sentence, at some point you’re going to end up with something tangible. I think we all know this. So why don’t we write every day? If I know that most … [Read more...] about 90% of writing is showing up
Paul Finch & Helen Fields
Blackwell’s hosted a joint event with two crime writers this week. Helen Fields’ first novel Perfect Remains was published recently and Paul Finch has just launched a second crime series focusing on PC Lucy Clayburn, which begins with Strangers. The sixth book in his DS Heckenburg series comes out in April this year. They are both excellent writers … [Read more...] about Paul Finch & Helen Fields
EdBookFest: Chris Riddell
The Soibhan Dowd Trust Memorial Lecture: The Slipping Glimpse Chaired by Tony Bradman This is the third year of the book festival hosting the Soibhan Dowd Trust Memorial Lecture, the previous speakers being Patrick Ness and Matt Haig. The trust funds projects that bring books to underprivileged children and, as the Children's Laureate, Chris … [Read more...] about EdBookFest: Chris Riddell
EdBookFest: Val McDermid
Chaired by Viv Groskop The latest book coming out is Val McDermid's 30th novel, and unsurprisingly she recently won an award for an outstanding contribution to crime fiction at Theakston's Harrogate Crime Festival. Out of Bounds, published earlier this week is the fourth book featuring cold case detective Karen Pirie. McDermid didn't expect her to … [Read more...] about EdBookFest: Val McDermid